Shrinking to a blog post or page even mentioning the very basic essential facts regarding the Duomo area and it surrounding is an unfeasible job! Entire books only scrap the surface of the details and the history of this magic square that makes Florence one of the most visited cities in the world.

Duomo in full width

Duomo means Cathedral and The Cathedral of Florenceis also known as the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore finished in 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi. The Cathedral is not the only monument in the square, in front of Brunelleschi’s masterpiece finds the Baptistery and besides it the Campanile of Giotto. The Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in the city(between 1059-1128) and it proudly boasts its Florentine Romanesque style of architecture while the Campanile is rich of sculptures all to the top of the 14 meter tower and has the same structure of the Cathedral.

In mid 2010 under our young Mayor Matteo Renzi, the heart of the city has been turned a completely pedestrian area and this makes it a lot easier for the people to walk around freely, finally giving some air to the overcrowded sidewalks and noisy buses.

What to see

Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence

Santa Maria del Fiore

The history of S. Maria del Fiore starts in the 1296 when the architect Arnolfo di Cambio went in with the design of the building. In the 1300 the works went under the supervision of Giotto; since the…

The Belfry or Giotto Tower or Campanile di Giotto

The belfry, named also Giotto Tower (Torre of Giotto), is 84 meters tall; even though the stairs to reach the top of the building are tiring when on top the panorama is marvelous. Giotto made only the design…

Florence Baptistery

The Baptistery of Saint Giovanni

The Baptistery of Saint Giovanni is one of the best example of the Romanico Fiorentino style characterized by the poly-chromatic decoration of the external surface.Inside the building the walls are covered by marble inlays and of reach mosaic…

What to eat & drink

Castagne, Ballotte, Bruciate !

If during your strolls in the city centre of Florence have you ever bumped into into some small food carts selling roasted nuts in little white bags at the average shocking price of 5 € each you have…

Buca Lapi steak in Florence

Buca Lapi a Steak in Florence alla Fiorentina

Buca Lapi is on the most popular steak places in Florence, well crowded and well priced too a good steak won’t come cheap but we truly wish you can spare some extra money saved on accommodation on a…

What to do and Where to go out

Explosion of the Cart in Florence

Easter in Florence – “Explosion of the Cart”

Every year on Easter Sunday (this year on Sunday April, 4th), Florentine citizens gather in Piazza del Duomo to watch a dove-shaped rocket, called the “Colombina”, fly out of the famous Duomo. It then ignites a huge wooden…

Fashion and Glamour at Yab

For those into nightlife not far off the Duomo there is probably one the most Fashion and Glamourish clubs in town! On a special day on Monday’s the Club offers the most VIP spot of Italy, Fiorentina’s soccer…

Piazza della Repubblica a Firenze

What do in Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica in Florence is the largest and most beautiful squares in the city center with high end cafes and restaurants (touristy yes but also good) is a must stop for everyone visiting the city. Things you…